The head of the International Football Federation greeted Andrey Arshavin, the former Zenit, Arsenal, and Russia midfielder, on his birthday. The message appeared on Match TV and highlighted a shared passion for the game and a wish for continued collaboration to grow football’s appeal around the world. It was a warm note that reflected the long friendship and mutual respect built through years in topflight football.
Dear Andrey. On this date, May 29, we celebrate your birthday with admiration and good wishes. May your day be filled with happiness, and may the coming years bring more achievements on the field and joyful moments off it. The message also expressed a hope for ongoing cooperation to shape the future of the beautiful game, and it awaited a future meeting to discuss new possibilities and shared goals for the sport’s growth at all levels.
Arshavin’s career spanned several notable chapters. He began with Zenit in 1999 and stayed with the club through 2008, contributing to domestic success and European campaigns. He moved to Arsenal, where he spent several seasons showcasing his creativity and skill in the Premier League. In 2012, he returned to Zenit, remaining with the club until 2015, before concluding his playing days with Kazakh club Kairat in 2018. Across years at the highest levels, Arshavin demonstrated versatility, technical ability, and a knack for timely goals that left a lasting mark on fans and teammates alike.
For the national team, Arshavin earned 74 appearances and scored 17 goals, becoming a familiar figure on the international stage and a symbol of Russia’s efforts in major competitions during his era. His contributions helped shape both club and country trajectories, leaving a legacy that continues to be recalled by supporters and analysts who followed his journey closely.
Meanwhile, commentary from Andrey Chervichenko, the former owner of Spartak Moscow, touched on a brief incident involving a social media post from London Arsenal. The club initially congratulated Arshavin on his 42nd birthday and later deleted the post, a moment that sparked discussion about how clubs handle greetings on public platforms and how these messages are received by fans and players alike.